Welcome to the Nothing To Wear Edit, where we break down the topic we spoke about on the podcast each week. This week Leigh Campbell was joined by Mamamia's Liv James to talk about Gen Z versus Millennial style.
On this week's episode of Nothing To Wear, I harassed Liv James until she agreed to come back on the show.
Liv is our stylish social media genius at Mamamia. Last time she joined me in the studio, Liv shared her insider tips about how to get the best out of Pinterest to find inspiration, shop smarter and clever tricks to style your outfits. It's one of our most downloaded episodes ever.
She's back on the podcast this week to help me dissect the generational fashion wars about 'what's in' and 'what's out', depending on when you were born. We discussed ankle socks, cross-body bags, the shape of jeans and how age should not be used as a weapon when it comes to what we wear.
Watch: The jewellery hack you need to achieve necklace stacking. Post continues after video.
Liv is 25, making her Gen Z. I'm 43, so I'm an elder millennial. Below we hope to prove that no trend, item, brand or store is out of bounds due to how many candles are on your birthday cake.
Here's how Liv and I would style these winter's key trends.
Sheer lace skirt.
Try: Dahlia Lace Skirt, $79.95.
Dahlia Lace Midi Skirt in Black. Image: Showpo.
Leigh:
"I basically live in a long, sheer or lace skirt at the moment. I wear little bike shorts or bloomers underneath, so I'm not flashing butt cheek, then a long, oversized button-down shirt or a longer knit (I generally size up) that covers my bum, so I don't feel too exposed. I pair the outfit with a pair of slingbacks with a kitten heel or nice transeasonal sandals. I work in a creative environment, so I can get away with it for the office, but also love this look for lunch or dinner."
Liv:
"I'm obsessed with the sheer skirt trend, but I always wear a mini skirt slip underneath so I can actually move around without feeling like I need to hold a jacket in front of me the whole time. The one I own from Zara came built-in, but you can get great ones from Glassons, Target or Skims to make any lace skirt feel more wearable. I'd throw on a rogue celeb tee, an oversized blazer with the sleeves pushed up, and either my favourite Zara cheetah kitten heels or Roc cowboy boots depending on my mood, or how dramatic the day is."
Chunky trainers.
Try: Salomon Speedcross 3 Expanse Trainers, $260.
Salomon Speedcross 3 Expanse Trainers in Vanilla Ice, Almond Milk & Cement. Image: The Iconic.
Leigh:
"It took me a long time to get around the look of trainers like these, and I finally worked out it's because I was thinking of them too literally — I'm the exact opposite of a person who hikes or ventures into the wilderness. I'd wear an 'ugly' trainer with a monochormonatic outfit of beige or camel wide-leg pants and a cream crew-neck knit. Or, maybe a classic white tee and a tailored blazer. If it's cold, I'd chuck on a structured trench and carry a light-coloured handbag that's not too casual or sporty to balance the overall look."
Liv:
"Confessions of a shopaholic: I own two pairs of Salomons and I want more. I want them all. These are the perfect pair to reel you in. They're neutral, not too gorpcore (aka that trend where you dress like you're off to scale a cliff, but you're really just grabbing a coffee), and surprisingly easy to style. I'd pair them with a white A-line maxi skirt (Kmart has a great one for $15) and an oversized colourful knit. The Chunky Pure Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper in pink from COS is currently living rent-free on my 'when I'm in a different tax bracket' wish list. I'd layer a boxy white tee underneath to peek out the bottom for shape (Uniqlo AIRism forever). I'd also match the jumper with the same coloured socks, just for fun."
Barrel leg jeans.
Try: The 1964 Denim Company Barrel Jeans, $30.
The 1964 Denim Company Barrel Jeans in Black. Image: BigW.
Leigh:
"Hand on heart, I believe barrel leg is one of the most flattering cuts of jeans. While they're having a 'moment' right now, they've been around (and always will be). Think the comfort of wide-leg but without the risk of looking like a skateboarding teen or your hems getting wet and dirty. I actually have these actual jeans in two colours, and I wear them with, well, everything. For work I'd wear an oversized shirt tucked in with a belt and pointy shoes, and if I'm headed somewhere more casual I'd chuck on a simple tee, bomber jacket and comfy boatshoe-style loafers. Chefs kiss."
Liv:
"I haven't worn barrel jeans before, but if I was going to commit, it would be with this exact pair and a full clean-girl fantasy. I'd style them with a slick bun, a classic white tee and a black belt. I'd go for a delicate slim-lined shoe. The Rosalind Leather Ballet Flats from Alohas are perfect. I'm torn between the red or Onix Burgundy, but either way it's giving French girl. I'd add a red lip, then throw a slim red cardigan over the shoulder (Big W has a great one) to tie it all together. And just like that, a baguette, a cigarette and an unsolicited opinion would appear in my hands."
Classic oxford shirt.
Try: Australian Cotton Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt, $40.
Australian Cotton Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt in Blue. Image: Target.
Leigh:
"I've read that the deluge of blue oxford shirts this season heralds the end of individual style, but I disagree. This timeless style and shade of shirt is in the zeitgeist right now because we're finally realising it's far more versatile than its classic corporate origins. I like to wear this style oversized with the sleeves scrunched up and pair it with a slinky slip skirt (cut on the bias so it still flows) and slimline trainers. Truthfully though, there's almost nothing this shirt won't look great with."
Liv:
"I'd style this shirt open as a layering piece with a white tee underneath (is my addiction to a white tee coming through yet?) and throw on a matching denim mini and jacket set. I love the DISSH Ashton Indigo Denim Shirt and Mason Mini Skirt combo. Dark denim is essential when you're pairing it with a lighter blue. I'd finish the look with my new favourite boots from Camper. They're called the Milah, and they're the perfect mix of chunky but not bulky on the leg. Chic. Structured. Comfy."
Bomber jacket.
Try: Lioness Kenny Bomber, $109.
Kenny Bomber in Black. Image: The Iconic.
Leigh:
"With military heritage, a bomber jacket made of leather (or faux leather) gives you instant street-cred, even if you're just out grabbing milk. Classic blue jeans are a no-brainer, then simply chuck on flat boots or school-style loafers. If I was being adventurous I'd wear it with tight dressy leggings and stiletto sock boots (but maybe not for the school run)."
Liv:
"I was two seconds away from buying this jacket in the woven burgundy colourway. It comes in six shades, but I cannot go past a cherry red. And it's woven? Texture and colour? Say less. I love styling an outfit that says "I tried," but sometimes I need one piece to do the talking while I mentally log out. This jacket does just that. I'd wear it with dark wash straight-leg jeans from St Marlo. They hug the bum like a dream. I'd tie it all together with my favourite maroon Adidas Sambas, crisp white socks and gold jewellery. Cherry red and gold just get each other. Also, RIP to my bank account. This jacket will be mine within the week. Oh and a white tee underneath, duh."
Sports luxe trousers.
Try: M&S Collection Side Stripe Wide Leg Trousers, $87.99.
M&S Collection Side Stripe Wide Leg Trousers in Dark Navy. Image: M&S.
Leigh:
"I'm a huge fan of the trackies worn as 'proper pants' vibe. With this look you need to let the bottoms be your comfy element, meaning the top needs to rise to the occasion. I'd wear a not-too-casual knit tank (I have this exact one, it's excellent) layered under a statement blazer that's both oversized but structured. Pumps pair well with this trend (for some reason I prefer suede over traditional leather in this case) and chunky gold necklace to finish it off."
Liv:
"With this look, we're going for Olympic track meet on the bottom and Coachella 2016 on the top. A combo straight out of the Copenhagen fashion playbook. I'd pair the pants with something ultra-feminine and floaty, like the Love in the Afternoon Lace Blouse from Spell or anything frilly from With Jean. The more it looks like I might whip out a tambourine at any moment, the better. For shoes, I'd go classic with a white Samba. Then comes the jewels, more is more. Stacked earrings, clashing bracelets, layered necklaces. I'd mix metals too. It should feel a little chaotic, like it wasn't planned but somehow works perfectly."
Mary Jane ballet hybrid shoes.
Try: Ravella Romy Mary Jane flats, $79.95.
Ravella Romy Mary Jane flats in Black. Image: The Iconic.
Leigh:
"The femininity of this style of shoe means it can look a little 'theme-y' if the proportions aren't right. I'd wear high-waisted straight-leg jeans (erring on the side of, dare I say, skinny leg) as opposed to wide leg pants which can visually swallow dainty footwear. To balance out my streamlined bottom half I'd then go big up top. A boxy checked blazer, chunky cropped knit or roomy chambray shirt tucked in because I'm a huge fan of double denim."
Liv:
"Mary Janes are a classic that will never be out of style. I'd style these with ribbed white crew socks, an A-line mini skirt, and a slouchy knit or oversized rugby jumper (Hailey Bieber has been wearing a few of these lately) to balance the sweetness with something that feels like I borrowed it from my ex who rowed for GPS. This also screams Princess Diana street style in a 2025 way. I'd chuck on a vintage cap that preferably colour matched the jumper, mini gold hoop earrings and some black sunnies to finish the look."
Leopard print shirt.
Try: Vero Moda Josie Oversized Leopard Print Shirt, $79.95.
Vero Moda Josie Oversized Leopard Print Shirt. Image: The Iconic.
Leigh:
"They say leopard print is a neutral. I'm not sure I'm fully on board, though it's definitely a classic print that defies generations. I think the key to styling a shirt like this is to keep it casual. I'd wear it as my base with the top buttons undone and perhaps a little bit of lace from a black bralette showing. Then I'd throw in an oversized denim shaket in a traditional blue and wear white jeans on the bottom. Non-discript sneakers for footwear and off I go."
Liv:
"This shirt had me in a brief styling crisis, which says a lot given my lifelong commitment to leopard print. But then I landed on a look I'd actually wear. I'd keep it unbuttoned with a black ribbed tank underneath, I love this one from Glassons. I'd pair it with loose baby blue linen pants and the Getaway Platform thongs from Crocs, and add some bold accessories like the Suku scrunchie. It all makes sense if you imagine me somewhere tropical, hair up, cocktail in hand, sunkissed and mentally OOO."
Barn jacket.
Try: Sussan Cappuchino Barn Jacket, $129.95.
Sussan Barn Jacket in Cappuchino. Image: Sussan.
Leigh:
"I'm calling it — the barn jacket is the number one outwear item for this winter. They're roomy and casual-cool without being too unstructured to take you places like a nice dinner or weekend. you'll see them styled with jeans a lot which is how I've been wearing mine, but I also love it over a high-neck jumper with a long circle skirt. I'd reach for simple closed in flats for day or similar shoes with a heel if it was an evening outing."
Liv:
"Last but not least, the barn jacket. She's giving farmers market chic. I'd style this exactly like the Pinterest girlies are doing, with white wide leg jeans, boots (I'd go for my classic LMS THE CONNIE in brown), and black sunglasses that politely suggest I grew up on strong opinions and stronger flat whites. If the sun's out, I'd throw it over bike shorts and a cap and channel my inner Hailey Bieber on the way to Pilates. Either way, It's giving city-girl energy filtered through a regional NSW lens, which, to be fair, sums me up pretty well."
Read more from Leigh:
Feature image: Supplied.
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